Molangur Fort in a state of neglect

Long-neglected Molangur Fort of Kakatiya era is in shambles with the government turning a blind eye towards development of the fort, despite the tourism potential the place has. Located 30 km east of district headquarters, on the Karimnagar-Warangal highway, the fort built on a hillock was used as a stopover for the kings during their expeditions.

Karimnagar: Long-neglected Molangur Fort of Kakatiya era is in shambles with the government turning a blind eye towards development of the fort, despite the tourism potential the place has. Located 30 km east of district headquarters, on the Karimnagar-Warangal highway, the fort built on a hillock was used as a stopover for the kings during their expeditions.

Said to be an impenetrable bastion, the fort was constructed at a strategic location by Voragiri Moggaraju, an under officer in the army of King Prathapa Rudra, in the 13th century. The decline of Kakatiya rule and subsequent shift of power into the hands of Mughals diminished the glory of the fort.

Apart from the architectural marvel of the bygone era, the difficult to climb hillock has cannons, Doodh Bowli (milky well), ancient Shivalayam and the grave dedicated to Muslim saint Malang Shah Wali. The annual Urs organised here stands as a manifestation of communal integrity and harmony among the Hindu-Muslims. It is said locally that the milk-like water of the Doodh Bowli has great medicinal value and it cured several diseases. It may be noted here that Mudugar village has acquired the name of Molangur due to Malang Shah Wali’s grave.

Although the rampant quarrying in the nearby hillocks further damaging the fort, which was long back listed under the protected sites by the Archaeological Department, the government is yet to make a move to protect the heritage of the region. Against this backdrop, the Commissioner of Police V B Kamalasan Reddy and Karimnagar Municipal Commissioner K Shashanka visited the fort on Saturday.

Kamalasan Reddy assured of extending police department’s support for the protection of fort. Eminent historian Jaishetty Ramanaiah of Jagtial, who worked as a teacher in Molangur decades ago, told The Hans India, “The fort has a great heritage that needs to be protected. It reflects the kind of fortification the forts have in those days.” The Molangur fort is located in Shankarapatnam mandal of Karimnagar district.